When Mr Lalanne passed away on 18th May 2020, at the beginning of the worldwide Covid pandemic, the Board of ARASITA France decided to organize a meeting in his memory with the participation of members of his family, travel conditions permitting.

This being in recognition of his absolutely vital role in the Association, as well as for SITA and its subsidiaries.

The easing of restrictions on intercontinental travel, 2 years later, enabled 3 members of Claude Lalanne’s Australian family to travel to the South of France, his daughter Mia, his son-in-law Peter, and their daughter Coralie.  Thus, the meeting of Arasita South-East France, dedicated to his memory, was organised with them on 25th June at the usual location in Port la Galère, Théoule sur Mer.

Several of Mr Lalanne’s close colleagues joined the ARA South-East France participants.

During the aperitif we were able to meet the members of the family, to chat with them, and to reunite with SITA friends who we had not seen for a long time.

After the group photos, the participants took their seats for lunch and Jean-Pierre Gaudard gave a tribute speech, retracing the main directions of Claude Lalanne’s accomplishments for SITA.

Mia replied with thanks, and heartfelt words about her father, then various anecdotes were recounted by the participants, before a final tribute speech in English by Dan O’Neill.

All present were very happy with this meeting which took place in an extremely warm and friendly atmosphere until it was time to part.